Wilson embraces chance with Titans

Tyler Wilson’s parents had plans to travel to California for the holidays. Not anymore.

Wilson practiced with the Titans on Wednesday, a day after they signed him off the Raiders’ practice squad. He’s the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and backup Rusty Smith.

“It’s one of those deals where it’s an overnight change,” Wilson said. “I wasn’t expecting it really.”

The former Arkansas star was a fourth-round pick of the Raiders and spent part of the season as their No. 2 quarterback.

The Titans like Wilson’s potential. Quarterback John Skelton was waived to make room for Wilson, who signed a multiyear contract.

“I’m from this area, so it’s good to be back close to home. And I think there’s an opportunity to get better here,” Wilson said. “These last couple games I think are an opportunity to be around game-time situations and learn how the system works and be able to continue to learn and be ready for next year.”

Wilson lit it up in college. He owns Arkansas’ career passing yardage record (7,765) and earned first-team All-SEC honors. As a senior, he threw for 3,387 yards, 21 touchdowns and posted five 300-yard performances. During his junior year, he tallied 3,638 yards (including a 510-yard game against Texas A&M) and 24 touchdowns.

One thing he’s learned in the NFL: “It doesn’t matter your draft status or what you’ve done previously. When you get in you have to get in and really work and make an impression on people as soon as possible.”